Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with a rich queso sauce and sautéed vegetables, it’s simple to prepare yet full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili seasoning
- 2 cups cheese sauce (such as Tostitos Medium Con Queso)
- 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Optional: 1 diced jalapeño for extra heat
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack on the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag tightly after pressing out the air and massage the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles, about 2 minutes. Add the marinated chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add diced onion, tomato, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften without burning.
- Step 4: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sautéed vegetables evenly over each breast, then spread cheese sauce on top. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole pan. Bake on the top oven rack for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the queso is golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite sides like cilantro lime rice or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even searing and easy oven transfer, but a baking dish works well too.
- Add diced jalapeño to the vegetables for a spicy kick or omit for a milder dish.
- Try different cheese sauces or add shredded cheese on top before baking for extra cheesiness.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts. Cooking frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and extended baking time.
What can I serve with Easy Baked Queso Chicken?
This dish pairs well with cilantro lime rice, steamed vegetables, crusty bread, or even pasta for a complete meal.
Print
Easy Baked Queso Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Baked Queso Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy baked chicken dish featuring marinated and seared chicken breasts topped with a savory queso cheese sauce and sautéed vegetables. This recipe combines a medley of spices, creamy cheese, and fresh garnishes for a satisfying and simple dinner option perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili seasoning
For the Sauce and Vegetables:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
- 2 cups cheese sauce (Tostitos Medium Con Queso recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
For the Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Optional:
- 1 diced jalapeño (for extra heat)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the top shelf. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag after pressing out the air and massage the seasonings around the chicken to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes). Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear each side until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion, tomato, and optional diced jalapeño. Sauté until the vegetables soften, stirring often, about 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each piece with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Evenly spoon the 2 cups of queso cheese sauce over the chicken. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake on the upper rack of the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the queso sauce is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot, ideally alongside cilantro lime rice, crusty bread, or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can adjust the heat by adding or omitting the diced jalapeño.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a 9×13-inch casserole dish works well for baking.
- Ensure the chicken cooks to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Pair this dish with cilantro lime rice or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: baked queso chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Mexican chicken, baked chicken breasts, queso chicken bake
